Mining machine



Sept. 18, 1928. 1,684,943

F. CARTLIDGE MINING MACHINE Original Filed June 21, 1918 Patented Sept.18, 1928.

. UNITED \STATES PATENT OFFICE.

FRANK CARTLIDGE, CF CLAREMONT, NEW HAMPSHIRE, ASSIGNOR T0 SULLIVANMACHINERY COMPANY, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MINING MACHINE.

Application filed June 21, 1918, Serial No. 241,205. Renewed July 19,1923.

My invention relates to mining machines.

It has for its object to provide an improved mining machine and moreparticularly an improved machine of the flexibly fed type especiallyadapted to low vein work. Another object of my invention is to providean improved machine, and herein more particularly a room and pillarmachine having improved feeding and cutting means and an improvedarrangement and construction of the feeding and cutting means and themotor whereby a construction is produced especially adapted to use inlow vein work. It

, also has among its iibjects to provide an improved mining machineconstruction wherein the rotor of the driving motor may be removed wlthgreat facil1ty,and more particularly a construction especially adaptedto low vein work wherein while an exceedingly compact constructionvertically is maintained, the motor rotor may be removed laterallyjn aath substantially within the vertical limits 0 the machine frame. Afurther object of my invention is to provide an improved constructionespecially adapted to use in connection with low vein machines wherebythe well known advantages in the way of simplification of gearingarising from the use of a vertical motor may be obtained and the motorarmature at the same time may be conveniently removed without liftingthe same through the top of the machine frame. Another object of myinvention is to provide improved means for distributing the miningmachine cuttings in such a manner as to minimize the difficulty withclogging. A still further object of my invention is to provide improvedcuttings expulsion means cooperating with a vertical motor and thecutter chain, and likewise preferably readily removable, whereby thecuttings are expelled from the machine frame without clogging despitethe location of one of the armature journals in the path of thecuttings. These and other objects of my invention will, however,hereinafter more fully appear. In the accompanying drawings I have shownfor purposes of illustration one embodiment which my invention mayassume in practice.

In these drawings,

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a machine equipped with my improvement.

shown is slidable over the mine bottom on a sub-frame or shoe 1, and hasa cutter bar 2 rigidly connected thereto, and also a front upper or feedand cutter frame section 3 in which, as usual, may be housed the feeddriving mechanism adapted to rotate a feed operating member, herein inthe form of a sprocket 4, rotatable on a transverse axis near the frontend of the frame 3.and on the ad vancing side of the latter and thusprovide power to feed the machine relative to flexible feeding meanshaving advance and receding flexible feeding portions, herein in theform of a chain 5, when said flexible feeding means is connected for anyof the well known feeding operations of such a machine. Herein, the feeddriving mechanism is of the type described in the Noble Patent1,019,722, patented March 5, 1912, and accordinglyneed not be describedother than to say that it is driven from the shaft 13 and is operable torotate the member 4 at a predetermined slow or cutting speed to draw inthe advance portion of the flexible feeding member while the recedingportion acting on the opposite end of the machine frame is lengthened.

In my improved construction it will be observed that the motor framesection shown herein as dust-proof, is located over the rear end of theshoe and vertically divided transversely into two parts 6 and 7, boltedtogether i by bolts 8 and each carrying a part of the field 9 for avertically disposed armature or rotor 10. As shown herein, the shaft 11of this armature is rotatably connected through a train of spur gearing12 to a vertical shaft- 13 ournaled in the front frame 3, whichshaft,

' that this part is also provided with a suitable journal 15 adapted toreceive a stud 16 on which one of the gears in thegear train 12 themachine. As shown herein, the head portion of this part 6 isalsoprovided with an axially disposed bearing member 19 adapted to bereceived in a corresponding socket 20 in the head member on the part 7and adapted to receive and form a bearing for the lower end of thearmature shaft 11. Here it will also be noted that the upper end of thisshaft is also journaled in a suitable bearing21 formed in a suitableremovable cover plate 22 which is in .turn dis osed in a bored out andpreferably flange enlarged coaxially disposed opening 23 formedconjointly in the two members 6 and'7. Attention is here also di rootedto the fact that the plate 22 is attached to the elements 6 and 7 bybolts 24, and that the gear train 12 is covered by a suitable cover 25attached to the members 3 and 22, as for instance by means of bolts 26..

In the use of a construction wherein the cutter chain driving sprocketis located at the front of the frame and in front of the motor in such amanner as to produce avertically compact construction; it is alsodesirable to provide means for insuring egress of the cuttings whichmight otherwise clog the ma chine, and preferably to provide means forinsuring the discharge of the cuttings from a point within the framewhere they are delivered by the cutter chain, such a construction beingespecially desirable where, as in the present instance, in order toproduce a low machine adapted to low vein work a part of the motor,herein, the lower armature beare ing, is disposed-in rear of the chaindriving sprocket, herein between the latter and the rear cuttings outlet27. These means also act to distribute the cuttings as the machine movesand herein are in the form of a rotatable cutting-expulsion member 28,preferably having curved blades or vanes 29 thereon,

connection is disposed well above the plane More particu- 7 of movementof the cutter chain in such a manner as to minimize the obstruction ofthe free backward movement of cuttings. As shown, this member 28 is alsojournaled on the outside of the bearing member 19. It

will also be noted that this inember 28 is -retained in suitablerelation with respect to an upper bearing flange '33 on the bearingmember 19 by aretaining and cuttings excluding bottom plate 34, hereinbolted to the member 19 by suitable bolts 35.-

In my im roved constructionit will be noted that w en it is desired toremove the motor armature 10 while working on a low vein, i. e., wherethere is little space between the top of the machine and the roof, it isonly necessary to remove the cover 25, the bolts 24, and the bolts 8holding the rear part '6 of the motor casing in place, and after thechain 31 has been disconnected pull that part laterally, hereinrearwardly, in order to render the motor armature accessible, the lattermoving bodily rearward with the element 6 and being separable therefromby simply removing the cover plate 22. It will also be noted that accessmay be had in the same'manner to the cuttings-expulsion member 28 andthe lower motor bearings, the members 6 and 28 being adapted to bewithdrawn as a unit. Moreover, it will be noted that when operatingunder other conditions, as for instance where there is a sufiicientlhigh roof, the motor armature 10, if desire may be lifted out by simplyremoving the cover plates 25 and 22.

By the. use of my improved construction, it

will be noted that a low construction especially ada ted to low veinwork is provided, the disposition of the feed operating member on atransverse axis in front of the-motor and the termination of the cutterbar in front of the motor enabling the height of the machine to bedetermined practically by the height of the motor. At the same time itwill be noted that the arrangement, which I have provided, of the feedoperating member, the guide for thefiexible feeding member, and thecutter chain sprocket relative to one another and the motor, enables thefeed operating member to belocated advantageously, herein on theadvancing side of the machine, in a position enabling it to cooperatewith a guiding means, such as the guide 18 on the advancing side of themachine, in such a manneras, While retaining the greatest simplicity, aminimum of bends in the flexible feeding member and a maximum effectivelength of the bar, to cause the advance ortion to be so disposedparallel to and close y adjacent to the face as to act from the mostadvantageous point on the machine, i. e. in a plane parallel to andadjacent to the face and substantially including the point where the-barprojects from the machine. Also, it will be noted that while theseadvantages are obtained, the opposite end of the machine is maintainedin proper relation to the face by cooperating guiding means in additionto the member 18 but also acting on the flexible feeding means, and thatall necessity for providing control means for these means located adacent the feed operating member or even on the same end of the machinecarrying the latter, or of providing any such separate means, iseliminated. Moreover, it will benoted that by this arrangement it ismade possible to locate the motor at an end and-a freely accessible end,herein the rear end of the machine in such a manner as not only toenable the height of the motor per se to determine the height of themachine uttomake it readilyaccessible from the end of the machine, anespecially valuable feature in low vein work having the advantage ofenabling the motor armature to be removed with facility even when themachine is operating at the face in very lowcoal. Further, it will benoted that it is made pos sible to eliminate the diiiicultieswithremoving the armature of a vertically disposed rooms or entries wherethere is ample space to permit the armature to be lifted-out. Throughthe provisionof my improved slack distributing or shoveling means, itwill also be evident that it is possible to eliminate the necessity forshoveling on the part of an operators helper while the machine is inoperation, the blades or vanes provided acting to shovel the cuttingsover the rear end of the shoe and thus distribute them over the bottomin rear of the machine. Here,- attentionis also directed to the factthat I have herein provided improved means housed within the frame forfeeding the cuttings which, while adapted to use in any' constructionwherein the cutter chain driving sprocket is located in front of thesame or at the front of the machine as herein, has a distinct functionin purposes of illustration only, and that the invention may be modifiedand embodied in various other forms and adapted to other forms of miningmachines than room and pillar machines or other forms than those utihzmga contmuous flexible feeding memher without departing from itsspiritorthe scope of the appended claims.

What I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters'Patent is: Y

1. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a

of said motor may be withdrawn rearwardly.

3. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertical motor operatively connected to said cutter bar,and means including a pluraL part motor casing whereby the motorarmature may be withdrawn laterally.

4. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to saidcutting mechanism, and means whereby the motor rotor may be Withdrawnlaterally including a vertically divided separable casing enclosing saidrotor.

, '5. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon includinga cutter bar, a vertical motor operatively connected to said cuttingmechanism, and laterally removable means providing journals for theopposite ends of the motor armature and bodying removablev therewith.

6. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to saidcutting mechanism, and a plural-part casing enclosing said motor andhaving a laterally removable part for rendering laterally removable thearmature of the latter.

7. In a mining machine, a frame having a shoe on which said machine issupported, cutting mechanism thereon including a. cutter bar and acutter chain movable around the same, a vertically disposed motoroperatively connected to said cutter chain, and cuttings-expulsionmechanism operatively connected to said motor and located above saidshoe and in the rear of 'said cutting mechanlsm.

8. A room and pillar mining machine adapted to be fed laterally relativeto the coal face during the cutting operation comprising a machine framehaving a cuttings channel extending longitudinally thereof beneath thesame, cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying bar having itschain extending into and delivering cuttings into said channel, andcuttings distributing means driven by said machine and operatively con-"nected thereto within the reariend of said channel for dischar 'ngthecuttings rearwardl from the mac ine as the latter moves lateraly. 1 I

9. A room and pillar mining machine adapted to be fed laterally relativeto the coal face during the cutting operation com rising a machineframehaving a cuttings c annel extending longitudinallythereof beneaththe same, cuttingmechanism' includin a cutter chain'carrying bar havingits chain extending into and delivering cuttings into said channel, andcuttin s distributing means substantially complete y housed in andadjacent the rear end of said channel fordischarging the cuttingsrearwardly from the machine as the latter moves laterally.

10. The combination with a mining machine comprising a. feed and cutterframe slidable laterally along a face'externally thereto during cuttingand feeding and cutting mechanisms thereon, of power driven outtingsdistributingmeans disposed substantially within the limits of said framefor discharging the cuttings rearwardly from the machine as the lattermoves laterally.

11. The combination with a minin machine comprising a feed and cutterframe slidable along a. face externally thereto during cutting andfeeding and cutting mechanisms thereon, of power driven cuttings dis-.

tributing means receiving cuttings from said cutting mechanism anddisposed substantially within the rearmost limit of said frame as itmoves alon a face.

12. The combination with a mining machine comprising a. feed and cutterrame slidable along a face externally thereto during cutting and feedingand cutting mechanisms thereon, of power driven cuttings distributingmeans receiving cuttings from said cutting mechanism and disposed ina1inemechanism thereon including a cutter bar and a cutter chain movablethereon, a vertically disposed motoroperatively connected to said cutterchain, and a cutting-expulsion member coaxially disposed with said motorand operatively connected thereto and disposed in rear of saideuttingmechanism.

15. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar and .a cutter chain movable thereon, a vertically disposedmotor operatively connected cuttin to said'cutter chain, and acuttings-expulsion A member coaxially disposed relative tosaid motor ando rativel connected to said cutting mechanism and isposed in rearthereof.

16. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon includin acutter bar and a cutter chain movable t ereon, a vertically disposedmotor' operatively connected to said cutter chain, and a cuttin slonmember coaxiall disposed relative to said motor and operativelyconnected to said tions being disposed in a plane above the plane ofsaid bar.

17. The combination with a minin ma chine-comprising a feed andcutter'rame disposed externally to amine face during cutting and slidabletherealong carrying lat-' eral feeding and cutting mechanisms thereonand a motor operatively connected thereto of cuttings distributing meansdriven by said motor and dis osed externally of the face substantially wthin the rearmost limit of said frame as it moves along the face.

18. The combination with. a mining machine comprising a .feed and cutterframe disposed externally to a mine face'during' cutting and slidabletherealong carrying lateral feeding and cutting mechanism thereon and amotor operatively connected thereto throu h driving mechanism, ofcuttings d1str1 utmg means driven from said driving mechanism, theoperative connecmechanism and dis osed externally of the c facesubstantially within the rearmost-limit of said frame as it moves alongaface.

19. The combination with a .mining machine comprising a feed and cutterramc disposed externall to a mine face during cutting and slide letherealon feeding and cutting mechanism t ereon and a motor operativelyconnected thereto through driving mechanism including ,a speed reducingmechanism, of cuttings distributing means driven by said motor Ill) 1through said reducin mechanism and-, disposed externally to a facesubstantially with carrying 1n therearmost limitof saidframe as it"moves along a face.

20. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to saidcutting mechanism, and a plu-' ral-part' motor field casing having oneof its parts laterally removable to permit 'lateral withdrawal of themotor armature.

21. In a mining machine, a'frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operativelyconnected to saidcutting mechanlsm, and aspluralpart motor field casing havingone of itsparts laterally removable with the motorarmature. v

22. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively con nected to saidcuttingmechani'sm, and means mos,

whereby said motor armature may be with drawn vertically from said motorcasing or laterally at will.

23. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to saidcutting mechanism, and a motor casing having a laterally removable section having a length substantially equal to the length of the motor andavertically rcovable section/provided with bearings for the oppositeends of said rotor.

26. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, and a vertically disposed motor operatively connected tosaid cutting mechanism and including laterally removable motor field andarmature elements.

27. In a mining machine, aframe, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, and a vertically disposed motor operatively connected tosaid cutting mechanism and in-, cluding a laterally removable armatureand a laterally removable motor field element carrying a plurality ofthe motor poles.

28. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to saidcutting mechanism, a motor casing having a laterally removable sectionprovided with a bearing for one end of the motor armature, and a rotarycuttings-expulsion member journaled coaxially with said bearing.

2 9. In a mining machine, a frame, cutting mechanism thereon including acutter bar, a vertically disposed motor operatively connected to saidcutting mechanism including a motor casing having a laterally removablepart, feeding mechanism including a flexible feeding member, and guidingmeans for said flexible feeding member carried on said laterallyremovable part.

30. In a mining machine, an elongated mining machine frame, cuttingmechanism on the front end thereof including a rigidly connected cutterchain carrying cutter bar, a motor on said frame operatively connectedto said cutter chain, and cuttings-expulsion mechanism operativclyconnected to said motor and disposed in rear of said cutting mechanismand substantially within the rearmost limit of said frame for expellingfrom said frame the cuttings drawn into the same by said cuttingmechanism.

31. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chaincarryin cutter bar extending longitudinally thereo during lateralcutting, a motor Whose height substantially determines the height ofsaid machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain and havingits rotor operatively connected thereto through connections including amotor pinion and a gear meshing with said motor pinion and rotatable onan axis parallel to the axis of the latter, said rotor being removablethrough a path substantially Within the vertical limits of the machine,and means for feeding said machine laterally including feed operatingmeans disposed in front of said motor and operated thereby-and flexiblefeeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

32. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutterchain-carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof duringlateral cutting, a motor whose height substantially determines theheight of said machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain andhaving its rotor operatively connected thereto and removable rearwardlywith respect to said cutter bar, and means for feeding said machinelaterally including feed and operated thereby and flexible feedingportions cooperating with said feed operating means and acting on theopposite ends of the machine frame.

34L. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutterchain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof duringlateral cutting, a motor whose height substantially determines theheight of the machine located in rear of the rear end of said chain andoperatively connected thereto, and means for feeding said machinelaterally including a feed operating member operatively connected tosaid motor and rotatable on an axis disposed horizontally on saidmachine and on the advancing side thereof in front of said motor andpower operated and controlled flexible feeding portions acting on theopposite ends of the machine frame.

35.- A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cuttingmechanism extending longitudinally thereof throughout its cuttingoperations, feeding mechanism including feed operating means rotatableon an axis disposed transversely of said machine and flexible feedingportions acting oppositely on the opposite ends of the machine frame,and a motor having a rotor operatively connected to said mechanisms andremovable throu h a path substantially within the vertical limits ofthemachine, said cutting and feed operating mechanism being so dis osed infront of said motor that the height said machine is substantially theheight of the motor.

36. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising cuttingmechanism extending longitudinally thereof during cutting, flexiblefeeding mechanism including feed operating means rotatable on an axisdisposed transversely of said machine and flexible feeding portionsacting oppositely on the opposite ends of the machine frame, and amotorhaving a rotor operatively connected to said mechanisms throughconnections including a motor pinion and a gear meshing with said motorpinion and rotatable on an axis arallel to the axis of the latter, saidrotor eing removable rearwardly withrespect to said bar, said cuttingand feed operating mechanisms being so disposed in front of said motorthat the height of said machine is substantially the height of themotor.

37. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chaincarrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateralcutting, a motor located in rear of the rear end of said bar andoperatively connected to the cutter chain thereon, and means for feedingsaid machine laterally including a feed operating member 'operativelyconnected to said motor and rotatable on an axis disposed transverselyof said machine in front of said motor and a continuous flexible feedingmember cooperating there with and having flexible feeding portionsacting on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

38. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom comprising a cutter chaincarrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof during lateralcutting, a motor located in rear of the rear end of said chain andoperatively connected thereto, and means for feeding saidmachine'laterally including a feed operating member on the advancingside of the machine operatively connectedto said motor and rotatable onan axis disposed transversely of said machine infront of said motor anda continuous flexible feeding member cooperating therewith and havingflexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the mabottomand comprising a cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof duringlateral cutting and having a cutter chain thereon termin ating withinthe longitudinal limits of the machine frame, a motor in rear of saidchain and operatively connected thereto, lateral feeding mechanismincluding feed operating means in front of said motor and driven therebyand advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on oppositeends of the machine frame, said exible portions being adapted to bewound in and paid out by power by said feeding mechanism, and cuttingsegress facilitating means carried by the machine frame and to which thecuttin s are delivered by said chain expediting the ischarge of cuttingsfrom the machine.

40. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising cuttingmechanism inting mechanism, feeding mechanism driven by said motor andhavin a feed operating member in front of the atter and advance andreceding flexible feeding portions cooperating with said feed operatingmember and. acting on opposite ends of the machine frame, and cuttingsegress facilitating means carried by the latter above the machine bottomreceiving cuttings from said chain and expediting their discharge fromthe machine.

41. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a cutterbar extending longitudinally thereof during lateral cutting and having acutter chain thereon terminating within the longitudinal limits of themachine frame, a motor in rear of said chain and having a rotoroperatively connected thereto through connections including a motorpinion and a gear meshing with said motor pinion and rotatable on anaxis parallel to the axis of the latter, said rotor being removablerearwardly relative to said bar, lateral feeding mechanism includingfeed operating means in front of said motor and driven thereby andadvance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on opposite endsof the machine frame, and cuttings egress facilitating means carried bythe latter in rear of said chain and expediting vthe discharge of cutings from the machine.

42. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprisin a frontframe ortion, cutting mechanism inc uding a cutter ar disposedlongitudinally-of said portion during lateral cutting and having itsrear end rigidly connected thereto, a motor frame section whose heightsubstantially determines the height of the machine disposed in rear ofsaid portion and having a rotor operatively connected to said mechanismand removable by a rearward movement with respect to said bar, andlateral feeding mechanism including feed operating means driven by saidrotor and carried on said front portion and a plurality of flexiblefeeding portions acting on the .opposite ends of the machine frame.

43. A miningmachine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a frontframe portion, cutting mechanism including a cutter bar disposedlongitudinally of said portion during lateral cutting, lateral feedingmechanism including a feed operating member carried on the advancingside of said frame portion on a transverse axis, a plurality of flexiblefeeding portions adapted to be wound in and paid out by power by saidfeeding mechanism, and directing means for said portions including aguide rotatable on a vertical axis in front of said member, and a motorconnected to said portion and disposed in rear of said bar and memberand connected to said cutting mech-' anism and feed operating member,said motor and bar being so disposed that the height of the formersubstantially determines the height of the machine.

4A. A mining machine slidable on a mine bottom and comprising a frontframe ortion and a spaced bottom portion disposed below said portion,cut-ting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter bar disposedlongitudinally of said portions during cutting and having its rear endrigidly connected in the space between said portions and terminatingwithin the longitudinal limits of the machine frame, lateral feedingmechanism including a feed operating member carried on said frontportion on a transverse axis and flexible feeding means, a motor whoseheight substantially determines the height of the machine disposed inrear of said chain and member and having a rotor connected to saidcutting mechanism and feed operating member and removable laterallywithin the vertical limits of the machine, and cuttings egressfacilitating means above said bottom portion and in rear of said chainfor expediting. the discharge of cuttings from the machine.

45. In a mining machine, a frame, a supporting shoe therefor, cuttingmechanism ineluding a horizontal cutter bar carried above said shoe andhaving a cutter chain, a vertical driving shaft for said chain journaledon said shoe, a vertically disposed motor whose height substantiallydetermines the height of the machine, driving connections betweensaidmotor and said shaft disposed above said motor, and feedingmechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on a transverseaxis and driven by said connections.

46. In a mining machine, a frame disposed externally of the face duringcutting, a supporting shoe therefor, a vertically disposed motorthereabove, a shaft parallel thereto, driving connections between saidshaft and said motor, a projecting cutting means carried by said frameabove said shoe and driven by said shaft, and cuttings-expulsion meansdriven by said motor and located in rear of said cutting means.

47. In a mining machine, a frame disposed externally of a face duringcutting, a supporting shoe, a vertically disposed motor including anarmature disposed above said shoe, a shaft parallel thereto, drivingconnections therebetween, horizontally disposed cutting means driven bysaid shaft and carried above said shoe, and means whereby said motorarmature may be removed laterally while in its normal upright position.

48. The combination with a mining machine adapted to be fed laterallyrelative to the coal face during the cutting operation, of a supportingshoe, cutter driving mechanism disposed in spaced relation above thesame to form a channel therebetween, cutting mecha nism driven therebyincluding an elongated cutter chain carrying cutter bar in alinementwith and extending into said channel, and cuttings distributingmechanism driven by said driving mechanism and disposed substantiallywholly in said channel above said shoe and in rear of said bar fordischarging the cuttings rearwardly from the machine as the latter moveslaterally.

4:9. The combination with a mining machine, of a supporting shoe, cutterdriving mechanism disposed in spaced relation above the same to form achannel therebetween opening through the rear end of the machine,cutting mechanism driven thereby including an elongated cutter chaincarrying cutter bar disposed in alinement with said channel and havingits rear end within the same, and means driven by said cutter drivingmechanism at a point within said channel for shovcling away the cuttingsat the rear end of said channel.

50. The combination with an elongated mining machine frame, of a shoeunderlying the same and spaced apart therefrom to form a channel, cutterdriving mechanism carried on said frame, cuttingmechanism driven therebyincluding an elongated cutter chain carrying cutter bar disposed inalinement with said channel and having its rear end extending into thesame, and a rotary cuttings distributing disc driven by said cutterdriving mechanism and disposed above said shoe and sweeping in front ofthe rear edge of the latter.

51. The combination with a, mining ma carrying bar projecting at one endof said machine, lateral feeding mechanism including a feed operatingmember rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the same-end ofthe machine and cooperating flexible feeding means including advance andreceding flexible feeding portions acting on the opposite ends of themachine, and a motor operatively connected to said cutting mechanism andfeed operating member and disposed at the opposite end of said machine,said motor and feed operating member being so disposed that the axis ofthe latter is below the top of the motor.

53, The combination with a mining machine slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, i of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying barprojecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanismincluding a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extendingtransversely of the same end of the machine and cooperating flexiblefeeding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portionsacting on the opposite ends of the machine, and a motor operativelyconnected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member anddisposed at the opposite end of said machine, said motor and feedoperating member being so disposed that the top of said feed operatingmember is substantially within the vertical limits of said motor.

54:. The combination with a mining machine slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying barprojecting at one end of said machine, lateral feeding mechanismincluding a feed operating member rotatable on an axis extendingtransversely of the same'end of the machine and cooperating flexiblefeteding means including advance and receding flexible feeding portionsacting on the opposite ends of the machine, a motor operativelyconnected to said cutting mechanism and feed operating member anddisposed at the opposite end of said machine, and cuttings egress meansat the machine end of said bar.

55. The combination with a mining machine, of an elongated machine frameslidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including acutter carrying bar projecting from one end of said frame,feedingmechanism including a feed operating member rotatable on atransverse axis at one side of said frame and adjacent the front endthereof and a flexible feedin member cooperating with said member, anguidin means on said frame cooperating with said flexible member anddirecting the same laterall from opposite ends of said frame.

56. he combination with a mining machine, of. an elongatedmachine frameslidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanismincluding acutter carrying bar projecting from one end of said frame a cutterdrivin motor caried on the rear en of said frame, ceding means includinga feed operating member rotatable by said motor on a transverse axis atone side of said frame and adjacent the front end thereof and a flexiblefeeding member cooperating with said member, and guiding means on saldframe oooperatin with said flexible member and'directin t e samelaterally from opposite ends of sai frame.

57. The combination with a mining machine, of an elongated machine frameslidable on its bottom on a mine bottom, cutting mechanism including acutter carrying bar projecting from one end of said frame, a cutterdriving motor carried on the rear end of said frame and rotatable on avertical axis, feeding means includin a feed operating member rotatableby sai motor on a transverse axis at one side of said frame and adjacent the front end thereof and a flexible feeding member cooperatingwith said member, and guiding means on said frame cooperating with saidflexible member and directing the same laterally from opposite ends ofsaid frame.

58. A mining machine comprising a feed and cutter frame section and amotor-carrying frame section located in alinement therewith, saidsections being operatively connected to form a ri 'd structure, themaximum height of which is substantially the height of said motor. framesection, lateral feeding mechanism including flexible feeding meansincluding advance and receding flexible feeding portions acting on theopposite ends of themachine and a feed 0 erating member cooperating withsaid flexlble feeding portions and rotatable by said motor on atransverse axis disposed below the top of said second mentioned section,and cutting mechanism driven b said motor and disposed at the same end 0the machine as said feed operating member including a cutter bardisposed in horizontal planes intersecting the motor.

59. A mining machine comprising a feed and cutter frame section and amotor-carrying frame section located in rear thereof, said sectionsbeing-operatively connected to form a rigid structure slidable on itsbottom on a mine bottom, the maximum height'of which is substantiallythe height of said motor frame section, lateral feeding mechanismincluding flexible feeding means including advance and receding flexiblefeeding portions acting on the opposite ends of the machine and a feedoperating member. cooperating with. said flexible feeding portions androtatable by said motor on a transverse axis and disposed below the topof said second mentioned section, and cutting mechanism driven by saidmotor including a cutter bar. disposed during lateral cuttinglongitudinal-- 1y of said sections in a horizontal. plane above emachine bottom and rigidly connected between said first mentionedsection and themachine bottom.

60. A mlning machine comprising a feed 'frame section and amotor-carrying frame frame section and a motor-carrying frame sectionlocated in rear thereof, saidsections being operatively connected toform a rigid structure and having a passageway extending therebeneathlongitudinally through the machine and a bottom member beneath saidpassageway slidable on the mine bottom, lateral feeding mechanismincluding flexible and advance and receding portions acting oppositelyon the opposite ends of said structure and a feed operating memberrotatable on a transverse axis on said first mentioned section anddriven by said motor, and means for creating cuttings and deliveringthem through said passageway likewise driven by said motor and includinga cutter bar disposed longitudinally of said sections during lateralcutting.

62. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom,'of

cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying bar projecting at one endof said machine, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanism operating tofeed said bar transversely, said mechanism including a feed operatingmember rotatable on an axis extending transversely of the machine, acooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end ofthemachine and to the face being cut, and cooperating flexible feedingmeans act- 7 ing on the opposite ends of the machine ineluding anadvance flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operatingmember around said guiding member and laterally therefrom and a recedingflexible portion extending rearwardly from the machine, and of a motoroperatively connected to said cutting mechanism and feed operatingmember and adapted to operate either of said flexible ortions by power,said motor being disposed between both said cutting mechanism and saidfeed operating member and the opposite end of the'machin'e';

63. The combination in 'a'mining machine slidable onits bottom on a minebottom, of

cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter barprojecting at one end of said machine and a cutter chain sprocket at theinner-end of said bar, of lateral feedin and guiding mechanism operativeto feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operatinmember rotatable on an axls substantially ying in a plane parallel withthe face and not nearer the face than I the sprocket axis, a cooperatingguiding member disposed closely adjacent the front end of the machineand to the face being cut, and cooperating flexible vfeedingmeans actingon t e opposite ends of the machine including an advance flexiblefeeding portion extending from said feed operating member around saidguiding member and laterally therefrom and a receding flexible portionex tending rearwardly from the machine, and

of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operatingmember and adapted to operate either of said flexible portions by power,said motor bein disposed between both said sprocket and said feedoperating member and the end of the machine opposite that at which thecutter bar procarry-ing cutter bar projecting at one end ofsaid machineand a cutter chain sprocket at the inner end'of said bar, of lateralfeeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said bar along a face,said mechanism including a feed operatingmember rotatable on an axissubstantially lying in a plane parallel with the face and including thesprocket axis, a cooperating guiding member disposed closely adjacentthe front end of the machine and to the face, and cooperating flexiblefeeding means acting on the opposite ends of the machine including anadvance flexible feed ing portion extending from said feed operatingmember around said guiding member and laterallytherefrom and a recedingflexible guiding portion. extending rearwardly.

from the machine, and of a motor operatively connected tosaid sprocketand feed operating member and adapted to operate either of said flexibleportions by power, said motor being disposed between both said sprocketand said feed operating member and the end of the machine oppositethatat which the jects. g 64. The combination'in a minin machine'slidable on its bottom on a mine ottom, of

-the inner end of: said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanisnroperative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanismincludincluding"an advance flexible feeding portion extending from said feed operatingmember around said guiding member and laterally therefrom and a recedingflexible guiding I portion extending rearwardly from the machine, and ofa motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating memberand adapted to operate either of said flexible portions by power, saidmotor being disposed between said sprocket and said feed operatingmember and the end of'the machine opposite that atwhich the cutter barprojects.

66. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutterbar proj ecting-at one end of said machine and a cutter chain sprocketat the inner end of said bar, of lateral feeding and guiding mechanismoperative to feed said bar along a face, said mechanism including a feedoperating member on the advancing side of the machine rotatable on anaxis extending parallel with the face and transversely of the machineand disposed in aplane in rear of a parallel plane including the axis ofsaid sprocket, a cooperating guiding member disposed in front of saidlast mentioned plane and closely adjacent the front end of the advancingside of the machine, and cooperating flexible feeding means actin on theopposite ends of the machine including an advance flexible feedingportion' extending from said feed operating member around saidguidingmember and laterally therefrom and a receding flexible guidingportion extending rearwardly from the machine, and ofa motor operativelyconnected to said sprocket and feed operating member and adapted tooperate either of said flexible portions by power, said motor beingdisposed between said sprocket and said feed operating member and theend of the machine opposite that at which the cutter bar projects.

67. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutterbar projecting from one end of said machine and disposed longitudinallyof said machine during cutting along a'face and a cooperating cutterchain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative tofeed said bar along a face, said mechanism [including a feed operatingmember rotatable on an axis disposed in a lane parallel to the face, acoo crating gui ing member disposed closely a jacent the front end ofthe machine, and cooperating flexible feeding means acting on 'the' oposite ends of the machine including a flexi le feeding portion extendingfrom said feed operatingvmember around said guiding member and laterallytherefrom, and of a motor located between ,both said s rocket and saidfeed operating member an the end of the machine opposite that from whichthe cutter bar projects and so disposed that its hei ht substantiallydetermines the height of t e machine, said motor having a rotor oeratively connected to said sprocket and fee operatingmember throughconnections including a motor pinion and a gear meshing with said motorpinion and r0- tatable on an axis arallel to the axis ofthe latter, saidrotor 'eing removable substantially within the vertical limits of themachine and disposed on an axis extending'in a direction perpendicularto the direction of the axis of said feed operating member.

68. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter carrying cutter bar(projecting from one end of said machine and isposed lon itudinally ofsaid machine during cutting along a face and a coo crating cutter chaindriving sprocket,iof fee ing and guiding mechanism operative to feedsaid bar along a face, said mechanism including a feed operating memberrotatable on the advancing side of the machine on an axis disposedparallel to the face and transversely relative to the machine, acooperating uiding member disposed in front of said feed operatingmember and closely adjacent the front end of the advancin side of'themachine, and cooperating flexi le feeding means acting on the oppositeends of the machine including a flexible feeding portion extending fromsaid feed 0 crating member around said guiding mem er and laterallytherefrom, and of. a motor located between both said sprocket and saidfeed operating member and the end of the machine opposite that fromwhich the cutter .bar projects and so disposed that its hei htsubstantially determines the height of t 1e machine, said motor having arotor opcratively connected to said sprocket and feed operating memberand removable substantially within the vertical limits of the machineand disposed on an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of the axis of said feed operating member. v

'69. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carryingcutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutterchain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative. tofeed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face,said mechanism including a feed operatin member rotatable durin cuttinalong -fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guiding member "forsaid flexible feeding member so disposed adjacent the point where thebar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advanceflexible portion of said flexible member between the feed operatingmember and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portion ofsaid flexible member along the face from substantially the point fromwhich the bar projects from the machine and to its point of fixation ina path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to theface, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feedoperating member and disposed between the end of the machine oppositethat from vwhich the cutter bar projects and the portion thereofcarrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

70. The combination in a; mining machine slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, of

-' cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter barprojecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chalndriving sprocket, .of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feedsaid machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, saidmechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cuttingalong the face on an axis substantially coincident with a plane disposedparallel to the face and including the sprocket axis, a flexible feedingmember cooperating with said feed-operating member and having an advanceflexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to afixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machineand a recedin flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the'rearof the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible member sodisposed adjacent said feed operating member and the 7 point where thebar projects from the machine and so cooperating with the advanceflexible portion of said flexible member between said feed operatingmember and its point of fixation as to direct the advance portlon ofsaid flexible feeding member along the face from substantially the pointfrom which the bar projects from the machine and to its point offixation in a path extending substantially parallel to and closelyadjacent to the face,

and of a motor operatively connected to said operating member and havinsprocket and feed operatin i member and dis- I driving sprocket, offeeding and guiding mechanism operative to feed said machine along aface when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including afeed operatingmember rotatable during cutting along the face on an axissubstantially coincident with a plane disposed parallel to the face andincludlng the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feeding membercooperating with said feed an advance flexible feeding portion disposa1e in a single 1 strand connection to a fixed point'in juxtap0-' sitionto the face and in advance of the ma chine and areceding flexibleportion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and aguiding member for said flexible member having its axis so disposed in aplane parallel to the face and between said last mentioned plane and theface and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion of saidflexible member between the feed operating mem ber and its point offixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible feedingmember along the face from substantially the point from which said barprojects from the machine and to its point of fixation in a pathextending substantlally parallel to and closely adj acent to the face,and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operatingmember and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that fromwhich the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carry-' along aface when said bar projects into the face, said mechanism including afeed operatin member rotatable during cutting along the ace on an axisdisposed in rear-of a plane parallel to the face and including thesprocket axis, a flexible feeding member coo crating with saidfeedoperating member an having an advance flexible feedingportion disposablein a single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to theface and in advance of the machine and a receding flexible portiondisposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine, and a guidingmember for said flexible feeding member so disposed between the the barprojects from the machine and so cooperatin with the advance flexibleportion of said flexi le member between the feed operating member andits point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexiblemember along the face from the point from which the bar rejects from themachine and to its point 0 fixation in a path extending substantiallyparallel to and closely adjacent to a face, and of a motor operativelyconnected to said sprocket and feed operating member and disposedbetween the end of the machine opposite that from which the cutter barprojects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket and feedoperating member.

73. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutterbar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chaindriving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feedsaid machine along a face when saidbar projects into the face, saidmechanism including a feed operating member rotatable during cuttingalong the face on an axis disposed parallel to the plane of the bar andin a plane parallel to the face andlocated on said axis on the advancingside of the sprocket axis, a flexible feeding member cooperating withsaid feed operating member and having an advance flexible feedingportion disposable in a single strand conmotion to a fixed point injuxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a recedingflexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machine,and a guiding member for said flexible feeding member so disposedbetween the feed operating member and the point where the bar projectsfrom the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible portion ofsaid flexible member between the feed operating member'and its point offixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexible member alongthe face from the point from which the bar projects from the machine andto its point of fixation in a path extending substantially parallel toand closely adjacent to the face, and of a motor operatively connectedto said sprocket and feed operating member and disposed between the endof the machine opposite that from which the cutter bar projects and theportion thereof carrying said sprocket and feed operating member.

7 4. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom .on amine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carryingcutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a coo crating cutterchain driving sprocket, of eeding and guiding mechanism operative tofeed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face,said mechanism including a feedoperatin member on the end of saidmachine carrying said sprocket and rotatable during cutting along theface on an axis substantially coincident with a plane disposedtransversely relative to the longest dimension of said machine andincluding the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feeding membercooperating with said feed operating member and havlng an advanceflexible feeding portion disposab e in a single strand connection to afixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machineand a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed oint 1n the rearof the machine, and a gui ing member for said flexible member sodisposed adjacent said feed operating member and relative to the pointwhere the bar projects from the machine and so cooperating with theadvance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feedoperating member and its point of fixation as to direct the advanceortion of said flexible feeding member a ong the face from substantiallythe point from which said bar projects and to its point of fixation in apath extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to theface, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feedoperatin member and disposed between the end of t e machine oppositethat from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carryingsaid sprocket and feed 0 crating member.

75. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutterbar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutter chaindriving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feedsaid machine along a face when, said bar projects into the face, saidmechanism including a feed operating member on the end of said machinecarrying said sprocket and rotatable during cutting along the face on anaxis parallel to the plane of said bar and substantially coincident witha plane dis osed transversely relative to the longest dimension of saidbar and including the axis of said sprocket, a flexible feedin membercooperating with said feed operatlng member and having an advanceflexible feeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to afixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advance of the machineand a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rearof the machine, and a guiding member for said flexible member sodisposed adjacent said feed operating member and the point where the barprojects from the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexibleportion of said flexible member between the feed operating member andits point of fixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexiblefeeding member along the face from substantially the point from whichsaid bar projects and to its point of fixation in a path extendingsubstantially parallel to and closely adjacent to the face, and of amotor operatively connected to said sprocket and feed operating memberand disposed between the end of the machine opposite that from which thecutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying said sprocket andfeed operating member.

76. .The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter cham carryingcutter bar projecting at one end of said machine and a. cooperatingcutter cha n driving sprocket, of feedin and guid ng mechanism operativeto feed sald machme along a face when said bar pro ects mto the face,said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable duringcutting along the face on an axis parallel to the face and the plane ofsaid bar, a flexible feeding member cooperating with said feedoperatingmember and having an advance flexible feeding portiondisposable in a single strand connectlon to a fixed point injustaposition to the face and in advance of the machine and a recedingflexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of the machlne,and gu ding means for said flexible member includinga guiding member sodisposed relatlve to said feed operating member and so cooperatmg withthe advance flexible portion of said flexible member between the feedoperating mem ber and its point of fixation as to direct the advanceportion of said flexible feeding member along the face to its point offixation sub stantially in a plane parallel to and ad acent the face andincluding the point from whlch the bar projects, and of a motoroperatlvely connected to said sprocket and feed operating member, saidmotor and all of said previously mentioned elements being so disposedthat the height of the machine is substantially the height of saidmotor.

77. The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on a minebottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutterbar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutterchaindriving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative tofeed said machine along a face when said bar projects mto the face, saidmechanism including a winding member, a flexible feeding membercooperating with said winding member and having an advance flexiblefeeding portion disposable in a single strand connection to a fixedpoint in juxtaposition to the face and 1n advance of the. machine and areceding flexible portion disposable to a fixed point in the rear of themachine, and a guiding member for the advance flexible portion of saidflexible member disposed adjacent said winding member and the pointwhere the bar pro ects from the machine, said winding member and saidcutter chain driving sprocket rotating on axes lying substantiallywithin a plane disposed parallel to the face during cutting along thelatter and said guiding member being disposed between said plane and theface, and a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and windingmember and disposed between the end of the machine opposite that fromwhich the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carrying saidsprocket and Winding member.

7 8, The combination in a mining machine slidable on its bottom on amine bottom, of cutting mechanism including a cutter chain carryingcutter bar projecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cutterchain driving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative tofeed said machine along a face when said bar projects into the face,said mechanism including a feed operating member rotatable duringcutting along the face on an axis substantially coincident with aplanedisposed parallel to the face and including the sprocket axis, aflexible feeding member cooperating with said feed operating member andhaving an advance flexible feeding portion disposable in a single strandconnection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the face and in advanceof the machine and a receding flexible portion disposable to a fixedpoint in the rear of the machine, a guiding member for said flexiblefeeding member so disposed adjacent the point Where the bar projectsfrom the machine and so cooperating with the advance flexible ortion ofsaid flexible member between the cod operating member and its point offixation as to direct the advance portion of said flexib-le member alongthe face from the point from which the bar projects from the machine andto its point of fixation in a path extend- 1ng substantially parallel toand closely adj acent to a face, and cooperating guiding means acting onthe receding portion of said flexible member and acting to control theposition of theopposite end of the machine during cutting along theface, and of a motor operatively connected to said sprocket and feedoperating member and disposed between the end of the machine oppositethat from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carryingsaid sprocket and feed operating member.

79. The combination in a mining machine slidable on a mine bottom, ofcutting mechanism including a cutter chain carrying cutter barprojecting at one end of the machine and a cooperating cut-ter chaindriving sprocket, of feeding and guiding mechanism operative to feedsaid machine along a face when said bar projects into the face, saidmechanism includin a rotatable feed operating member, a flexl le feedingmember co'- operating with said feed operating member and disposable ina single strand connection to a fixed point in juxtaposition to the faceand in advance of the machine, and a Ill guiding member for saidflexible member so disposed during cutting along the face adjacent said.feed operating member and the inner end of said bar and acting on saidflexible member between said feed operating member and said point offixation as to direct said flexible member along the face from a pointclosely adjacent the inner end of said bar to said point of fixation ina path extending substantially parallel to and closely adjacent to theface, and of a motor located between the end of the machine oppositethat from which the cutter bar projects and the portion thereof carryingsaid sprocket and feed operatin member and so disposed that its heightsubstantially determines the height of the machine, said motor havin arotor operatively connected to said sproclret and feed operating memberdisposed on an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to thedirection of the axis of said feed operating member and removablethrough a path substantially Within the vertical limits of the machine.

80. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on themine bottom, cutting mechanism disposed at the forward end of said frameincludin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter bar, a motor disposedat the rear end of said frame and having driving connection with. saidcutting mechanism, said cutter bar being disposed in planes intersectingsaid motor, and machine feeding means driven'by said motor disposedat'the forward end of said frame in advance of said motor, said feedingmeans including a feed operatin member mounted for rotation at theforwar end of said frame, and power operated and controlled flexiblefeeding means including advance and recedin flexible portions extendingin opposite dlrections from the opposite ends of said frame, said.advance portion cooperating with said feed operating member and both ofsaid flexible portions being operated by power from said motor.

81. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on themine bottom, cuttin mechanism disposed at the forward end 0 said frameincludin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter ar a motor disposed atthe rear end of said frame and having driving connection with said;cutting mechanism, said cutter bar beingdisposed in planes intersectingsaid motor, and machine feedin means driven by said motor disposed atthe forward end of said frame in advance of said motor, the verticaldimension of said motor substantially determinin the height of themining machine, said fee ing means including a feed operating mem-.

ber mounted for rotation at the forward end of said frame, and poweroperated and controlled flexible feedmg means including advance andreceding flexible portions extenddisposed at the rear end of said frameand having driving connection with said cuttin mechanism, said cutterbar being disposed in planes intersecting said motor, and machine feedinmeans driven by said motor and dispose at the forward end of said framein advance of said motor, said feeding means including a feed operatingmember rotatable .on a horizontal axis extending transversely of themachine frame at its front end, and power operated flexible feedingmeans including advance and receding flexible portions extending inopposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, said advanceportion cooperating with said feed operatin member and both of saidflexi ble portions eing operated by power from said motor.

83. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on themine bottom, cutting mechanism disposed at the forward end of said frameincludin a forwardly projecting horizontal cutter er, a motor disposedat the rear end of said frame and having driving connection with saidcutting mechanism, the vertical dimensions of said motor substantialldetermining the height of the mining mac ine, said cutter bar beingdisposed in planes intersecting said motor, and maehinefeeding meansdriven by said motor and disposed at the forward end of said frame inadvance of said motor, said feeding means includin a feed operatingmember rotatable on a orizontal axis extending transversely of themachine frame at its front end, and power operated flexible feedingmeans including advance and receding flexible portions extending inopposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, said advanceportion cooperating with said feed operating member and both of saidflexible portions being operated by power from said motor.

84. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on theminebottom, cutting mechanismcarried by said frame includin a forwardlyprojecting horizontal cutter ar, a motor carried by said frame andhaving driving connection with said cutting mechanism, feeding meansdriven by said motor including a feed 0 crating member and cooperativelyflexible ceding means including o positely extendin advance and recedingexible portions acting on the opposite'ends of the machine frame, andslack handling mechanism carried by said frame including conveying meansrotatable at the rear end of said frame about a vertical axis disposedat the central longitudinal center of the machine and adapted to conveycuttings created by said cutting mechanism and to move the cuttingsrearwardly of said cutting mechanism.

85. In a mining machine, a machine frame slidable on its bottom on themine bottom, kerf cutting mechanism carried by said frame and movablealong a coal face in which a kerf is being cut, and means carried bysaid frame for handling the slack created by said cutting mechanismincluding a cuttings expulsion member disposed directly in the rear ofsaid cutting mechanism and means for actuating said member to cause thesame to receive the slack brought backfrom the kerf by the cuttingmechanism and to discharge the slack rearwardly of the machine andawayfrom the coal face. 86. In a mining machine, a machine casing,

kerf cutting mechanism including alaterally projecting cutter bar at oneend of said ,cas

ing, and slack handling mechanism carried by said casing at the endthereof opposite from said cutter bar and disposed wholly outside ofthecoal face for discharging the slack laterally away from the face andoutof the path of the machine.

87. In amining apparatus, a mining machine including a machine casingand a laterally projecting cutter bar at one'end thereof, and slackhandling mechanism carried by said casing and disposed adjacent said barat the end of said casing opposite from said bar and within the lines ofsaid casing to move the slack created by said cutter bar laterally ofthe face and out of the path of the machine- 88. In a mining machine, amachine frame".v slidable on its'bottom on the mine bottom, a motorcarried by said frame, the vertical" dimension of said motorsubstantially determiningthe height of the machine, cutting mechanismcarried by said frame and driven by said motor and including a cutterbar disposed in horizontal planes the median one of which intersectssaid motor, and machine feeding mechanism driven by said motor includinga feed operating member and power operated and controlled flexiblefeeding means including advance and receding flexible portions extendingin opposite directions from the opposite ends of said frame, saidadvance portion cooperating with said feed operating member and both ofsaid flexible portions being operated by power from said motor.

89. A mining machine slidable on a mine bot-tom, comprising a cutterchain carrying cutter bar extending longitudinally thereof duringlateral cutting, a motor located in rear of the rear end of said bar andoperatively connected to the cutter chain thereon, thevert-icaldimension of said motor substantially determining the height of themachine, and means for feeding said machine laterally including a feedoperating member operatively connected to said motor and a continuousflexslidable on its bottom on the mine bottom,

ible feeding member cooperating therewith and havingfiexible feedingportions acting .on the opposite ends of the machine frame.

90.j-The combination in a mining machine, of anfelongated machine frameslidable on its bottom on the mine bottom, cutting mechanism including acutter chain carrying outter-bar projecting from one end of said frame,a motor carried by said frame at the rear of therear end of said cutterbar and operatively connected to said cutting mechanism, the verticaldimension of said motor substantially determining the height of themachine, machine feeding mechanism including a feed operat-,

ing member carried by said frame at the front end thereofand a flexiblefeeding member'cooperating with saidfeed operating member, and guidingmeans on said frame cooperating with said flexible member and directingthe same laterally from the opposite ends of'said frame.

In'testimony whereof I affix my signature.

FRANK CABTLIDGE.

